Babysitter Faces Jail Time for Reckless Child Abuse

A 42-year-old woman could face prison time after police say she repeatedly abused a child.

Jennifer Gammeter, of Wisconsin Rapids, faces charges of reckless child abuse. According to the complaint, an officer was informed of possible child abuse on Apr. 11, 2015, which occurred on the 1500 block of 23rd Ave. South. The 10-year-old told girl told police Gammeter struck her three times on the buttocks, then dragged her through the kitchen by her wrist, a story confirmed by the girl’s siblings.

The 10-year-old told police that this was in response to her refusal to do chores. Later that day, Gammeter also jumped on the victim while in bed to try and take away a picture from the child. Medical evaluation revealed redness and bruising on her buttocks, wrist and shoulder.

If convicted, Gammeter faces up to three years and six months imprisonment, and up to $10,000 in fines. A motion hearing is scheduled for Feb. 4, and a 12 person jury trial is scheduled for Apr. 6.